Measuring Nanodistances in Cells: Assessing Stoichiometry from Nanoscale Molecular Separation

摘要

Understanding how complex processes such as receptor signal transduction work in cells requires knowledge of the structure-function relationships underlying the composition of protein complexes. Characterization of the oligomerization state of complexes requires the measurement of distances around 10-15 nm, too long for fluorescence energy transfer (FRET), but too small for optical resolution. Here we discuss various approaches that are being taken to measure these distances in cells.